Open Transport

Vehicle Shipping via Open Carrier - Pros and Cons

Thinking if open auto transport is right for your vehicle?

It is the most common auto transport in the United States, in fact 95% of the dealer auto transport moves are being transported via open carrier.

Open Transport is less expensive compared to enclosed transport, auto transport costs could be quite frustrating, especially over a long distance. Enclosed transport is more expensive, on a given move the price difference between open and enclosed transport could be over $500. Wondering why the price difference is so big? Insurance is more expensive for open transport, which is already included in the quote. There are a lot more open carriers than enclosed, which brings down the cost immediately, enclosed car hauler equipment is also a lot more expensive itself, thus for prices are higher for enclosed transport compared to open transport.

More Options with open transport.

It is very important for the client to be aware that open transport’s availability is a lot higher than enclosed carriers. Open carriers are available in any city, within a few days at most, if you need your vehicle picked up and dropped off in an urgent matter, open transport might be the option for you. Big time companies like CarMax, Enterprise, Budget and many more, transport all of their inventory via open transport because it is proven to be very time and cost effective. Open transport is very suitable for vehicles that are worth less than $80,000. By going with open transport, you ensure yourself a timely pick up with a large variety of drivers on a given route, clients have the ability to choose the driver that fits their schedule. The automobile will also be fully insured throughout the transit, clients could rest easy knowing that their vehicles are fully insured and if there are any new damages to the vehicle, it will be covered by the driver’s insurance policy.

Differences in the size of car-haulers.

There are different types of open carriers depending on the distance the vehicle is transported. Long hauls, 500 miles or more are typically transported on 7-10 double deck car haulers. Big rigs are being used for long distance, the tractors are made convenient for the drivers in order to stay on the road for a long period of time. They can load more vehicles on a single trailer, which brings down the rate per mile for your auto transport need. This is a very important rule of the auto moving industry every client needs to keep in mind. The longer the distance the lower rate per mile, the shorter the distance the higher rate per mile. If you are transporting your vehicle over a shorter distance, 500 miles or less, most likely the car hauler that will be hauling your vehicle will be 3-5 car carrier, single deck being pulled by a heavy duty pick-up truck. Smaller trucks, run shorter distances with a quicker pick up and drop off transit timing. There is also a difference in the cargo insurance depending on the size of the hauler, if the car hauler carries 3-5 vehicles insurance limit will be a minimum of $150,000. If the carrier is hauling five to ten vehicles at a time, insurance minimum will be $250,000. The size of your hauler is determined at the time of driver assignment, please advise ahead of time if you have a particular preference.

Open Transport Risks

While with enclosed transport you are 100% worry free that something might happen to your vehicle, the truth is that going with open transport is very safe and annually TCI Logistics’ damaged vehicles rate is at .6%, and only .3% rate for settled damages through and insurance claim. In fact nearly 95% of transported vehicles by TCI Logistics for dealerships nationwide are transported via open transport. Dealerships find it ideal because it is the most economical and fast transport while keeping the safety at a high level. However, we always ask our clients to keep in mind that open auto transport is transporting your car on an open trailer that exposes it to potential damage during transport from unexpected weather and debris from the open weather.

Faster Service with open transport.

The amount of available drivers for open auto transport is much higher than for enclosed transport. Sometimes if the pick-up area is not a big metropolitan area, pick up might take up to a few days. In most cases, open transport is faster because of the ease loading up open transport trailers. Dispatchers work hard to align a proper load of multiple vehicles that need to be picked up around the same time and delivered around the same time, enclosed transport is more rare, thus for it takes longer for the truck to be loaded and on its way to the delivery point.

Does size of my vehicle matter if I go with open vs enclosed?

Open trailers are made to transport very versatile vehicles. If you have a modified SUV that is lifted or very big in general, it might take longer because enclosed trailers are very limited when it comes down to loading bigger vehicles. With open transport, you will always be asked if your car is higher than 80 inches. If it is, it will be more expensive to transport your vehicle. If it is under 80 inches, any trailer could load on your vehicle which ensures that your vehicle is picked up and transported in a timely manner. Open trailers have the ability to transport big pick-up trucks with very high lifts and wide base tires. Feel free to reach out to TCI Logistics in regards of your oversized vehicle transport.

It is the client’s choice.

TCI Logistics will provide the options that we have for your auto transport need, however, it will be up to you and your pocket if you will be going with open or enclosed transport. In both cases there are some pros and some cons. Please reach out to our auto transport specialist with any questions either via our online chat or 312-224-8620, we will be happy to assist you and answer any questions you might have for your auto transport needs.

Why TCI

Terms and Conditions

Our Contract Terms

Trucking damage claims are covered by the carrier from up to $250,000 cargo insurance per load, and a minimum a million dollars public liability and property damage.

All claims must be noted and signed for at time of delivery. Claims for damages not documented on Bill of Lading will not be honored. TCI strongly suggests that a phone call is made to one of our representatives in case there is noticed damage or loss.

All claims, subrogation, litigation or legal action must have right of venue in the State of Illinois, in the municipal court of Lake County.

TCI will not be responsible for any exhaust systems, mufflers or tail pipes. No Exception!

TCI Logistics agrees to provide a carrier to transport your vehicle as promptly as possible in accordance with your instructions but delays during pick-up or delivery may occur sometimes because of occurrence of floods or any other natural disasters.

A cancellation fee of $50 will be charged for orders canceled prior to 24 hours after the requested available pick up date.

Carriers assigned by TCI Logistics perform door to door services unless residential area restrictions apply. If that is the case, client will be asked nicely to meet driver at the nearest location allowing the truck to load/unload vehicle safely.

Pickups by hourly appointment are available for an additional fee, by smaller unrestricted auto carriers.

If client is not available at delivery or client is unresponsive, vehicle will be delivered to a terminal, and there will be an extra charge for storage and delivery. (24 hour heads up is given by carrier for pick up or delivery)

If TCI Logistics is not advised of inoperable or oversized vehicles prior to pick up, driver at pick up will inquire of extra funds.

Vehicles must be passed on to carriers in good running condition with no more than a half tank of fuel.

Carrier will not be liable for damage caused by leaking fluids, freezing, exhaust systems, or antennas not tied down.

Orders shall be paid in two separate payments. Once the vehicle has been assigned to a driver, a deposit will required to reserve the spot on the trailer. (usually 10-20%), the remaining balance will be paid on delivery to the driver (cashier’s check, money order or business check).

Overseas orders must be prepaid by cashier's check or wired money.

Shipper warrants that he will pay the price quoted due TCI Logistics, Inc. for delivered vehicles and will not seek to charge back a credit card or stop a check to offset any dispute for damage claims.

Department of Transportation regulations require that all claims be filed in writing and all tariffs be paid in full before claims are processed.

This supersedes all prior written or oral representation of TCI Logistics and constitutes the entire agreement between shipper and TCI Logistics and may not be changed except in writing signed by an officer of TCI Logistics.